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FCM endorses call for the equivalent of one cent of the GST for cities and communities

CALGARY, June 2 /CNW Telbec/ - At their annual conference in Calgary
today, Federation of Canadian Municipalities' delegates adopted a resolution
calling on the federal government to share the equivalent of one cent of the
GST with municipal governments so they can invest in the future prosperity of
their communities.
The resolution, sponsored by FCM's big city mayors' caucus, was adopted
by a near-unanimous vote of municipal delegates from across Canada and becomes
FCM policy.
The equivalent of one cent of the GST would yield approximately
$5 billion for all municipalities in Canada. This would allow municipalities
to invest in the infrastructure and quality of life features that attract
skilled workers and investment.
Municipal governments have limited financial tools at their disposal and
they are not meeting current needs. Providing the equivalent of one cent of
the GST would ensure that Canada's cities and communities remain competitive
and continue to generate wealth to share with all Canadians.
The resolution is as follows: "Be it resolved: that the Federation of
Canadian Municipalities call upon the Government of Canada to annually share
revenues equivalent to one cent of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) with
Canadian municipalities, which would yield approximately $5 billion per year
in additional funding for all local governments and municipalities in Canada."